Last Friday there was a wine tasting (like every Friday from 12:00 to 3:00) in the tasting room at back of Liquors Galore (1212 Avenue J; Brooklyn, NY 11230-3702; Telephone: 718.338.4166)

Jordan Weisz, the Kosher Brand Manager at Monsieur Touton Selection, LTD, presented five superb selections which definitely proved a kosher wine need not be expensive to be good.

I started with a 2008 Chateau Joumard Bordeaux. It had great bouquet and hints of red berry on the palate. Having been aged in French oak casks it add some vanilla shades to its flavor. It goes perfectly with pasta, grilled meat, lamb and pizza. Its delicate taste perfectly compliments the stronger flavored food.

I then tasted a 2006 Jerusalem HillsMount Hevron Red, a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Syrah. These grapes mature gently in the warm days and cool nights of the Jerusalem Hills. It’s got a smoky flavor with raspberry accents and a hint of black pepper.

I followed with the 2006 GedeonCabernet Sauvignon, a very nice smoky wine. I then proceeded to 2008 Grand SudMerlot. Delightfully fruity, dry with currant accents.

The last selection I tasted was a 2007 Cantina GrabrielleChianti. Chiantis are usually very dry, this one however was unusually gentle soft in tannins and acidity. Liked it, I’ve found a new friend.

Cantina Gabrielle, never cease to amaze me. Very moderately priced wines, with delightful flavors. One that I like a lot of, is their Dolcemente. It reminds of an old fashioned wine that combines Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with the fruitiness of the Cesanese grapes. It has fresh floral aromas and notes of berry and cherry, very smooth tannins, and a lovely sweetness on the palate. Absolutely delightful!

[Starting next week, Aaron Zimmerman, the owner of Liquors Galore will post a multi-part weekly series on how to chose and how to taste wine.]